Is Shreyas Gopal playing today's RR vs MI match in IPL 2024?
Mumbai Indians (MI) leg spinner Shreyas Gopal is not part of the team's playing XI for their IPL 2024 clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium tonight.
Gopal failed to make a significant impact in his three appearances for MI this season. The 30-year-old has picked up only three wickets so far in IPL 2024 at an economy rate of 9.57.
The crafty bowled just two overs in the team's previous match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), returning with figures of 1/26.
MI made three changes to their lineup for the encounter against RR. Piyush Chawla, Nehal Wadhera, and debutant Nuwan Thushara came in for Shreyas Gopal, Romario Shepherd, and Akash Madhwal.
Speaking at the toss of the RR vs MI game, Mumbai skipper Hardik Pandya said:
"We are gonna bat first, looks like a good wicket, we didn't see much dew in the last couple of days hence the decision to bat first. It's a very surreal feeling to play my 100th game for the franchise, started my journey with MI, I'm very grateful. We got three changes - Nuwan, Wadhera and Piyush Chawla come in. Shepherd, Madhwal, and Shreyas Gopal go out."
MI are placed seventh in the IPL 2024 points table
The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai side opened their campaign with three successive defeats. The five-time champions beat the Delhi Capitals (DC) by 29 runs to clinch their maiden victory of the season.
Mumbai have secured three wins from their first seven matches and are placed seventh in the points table. They have a net run rate of -0.133.
MI completed a nine-run win over PBKS in their last match, successfully defending a 193-run target. Suryakumar Yadav was Mumbai's top performer with the bat, scoring 78 runs in 53 balls.
Mumbai's pace bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was named the Player of the Match as he registered impressive figures of 4-0-21-3.